Where do I go for financial help with prescription drug costs?

Financial help with prescription drug costs can be obtained from the following organizations:

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Web site: www.pparx.org
Toll-free number: 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669)

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) program is a group of drug companies, health care providers, patient advocacy organizations, and community groups. They help people who don't have prescription coverage find assistance programs that are right for them. There are more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by drug companies. They also have information on some free drug discount cards funded by private companies, which can help reduce your costs for certain brand or generic drugs.

To find programs that may be right for you, call the toll-free number or fill out the confidential online form. You will be asked about:

• The drugs you take
• Your age
• Where you live
• Your annual income
• Number of people living in your household
• Insurance and prescription drug coverage, if you have it

If you fill out the online form, your answers are quickly compared to the requirements for the different programs, and you will be able to see a list of programs that might be able to help you. From there, you can download each program's application form and find out how to apply.

Both phone and online services are available in Spanish or English.

Your doctor or nurse can also use the Web site to find programs for you. They may be able to complete the required application forms for you and send them by e-mail or fax.

The NeedyMeds Web site provides information and applications for many drug assistance programs. It includes some of the same programs as the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, but in a format that might be simpler for some people to use. NeedyMeds, Inc. offers only information. It does not help with problems or help you search for drug assistance programs.

If you are a Medicare patient, there is a special program that provides assistance for medications. The following website provides specific information: http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp.

There are also state insurance programs that provide assistance. Check at the following website, http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria. When you are on this website, go to the first box on the left, look for “Prescription Drug Information” and then check your state.

Some pharmaceutical companies have programs to help your patients. Speak with your doctor for more information.